Mele Kalikimaka! Christmas is celebrated in such a unique way on Hawaii. While much of the mainland dreams of a white Christmas and Santa on his sleigh with eight magical reindeer, in Hawaii, Santa often arrives on outrigger canoe handing out toys to the keiki on the beach.

The island of Oahu is full of holiday parades, events and activities throughout the month of December. We'll be adding to this list as more events are brought to our attention, so check back often!. If you know of any we're missing, drop us an email at social@pruhawaii.com.

Honolulu City Lights - Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 5 pm – 10 pm 

Turkey Trot Fun Run

Thursday, November 27 | 7- 9 am

Sponsored by Honolulu Marathon Clinic. The event is expected to have about 800 runners/walkers.  It will start at Paki Avenue/Monsarrat Avenue and end at Honolulu Marathon Finish Line on Kalakaua Ave. near Kapiolani Park Bandstand.

Contact Alan Sunio 753-1999.

Liliha/Palama Christmas Parade

Friday, November 28, 2014 | 5:30 – 7 pm

Sponsored by Liliha/Palama Business Association. The event is expected to have 100 marchers and 10 vehicles.  It will start at United Church of Christ and end at Kohou St.

Contact David Tsuda 525-8159, E-mail dtsuda@fhb.com

Kalihi Business Association Christmas Parade

Friday, November 28, 2014 | 5:45 – 8 pm

Sponsored by Kalihi Business Association. The event is expected to have 100+ marchers, 15 vehicles, two floats and two bands.  It will start at Kalihi Union Church and end at Kam Shopping Center.

Contact Brad Santiago 541-5312 E-mail brsantia@ksbe.edu

Waikiki Holiday Parade

Friday, November 28, 2014 | 7– 9 pm

Sponsored by Gateway Music Festival & Tours/Superior Bands. The event is expected to have 4,000 marchers, 40 vehicles and 38 bands.  It will start at Saratoga Road/Kalakaua Avenue and end at Queen Kapiolani Park.

Contact Stacy Thielman-Jost 763-238-8745, E-mail stacy.jost@musicfestivals.com  

Hawaii Kai Christmas Parade

Saturday, November 29, 2014 | 10 am – noon

Sponsored by Hawaii Kai Lions Club. The event is expected to have 1,000 marchers, 25 vehicles and three bands.  It will start at Kamiloiki Park and end at Koko Marina Shopping Center.

Contact Walter Kuroiwa 395-3384

28th Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo

Friday, November 28, 2014 | 4 pm – 9 pm 

Saturday, November 29 2014 | 10 am – 9 pm

Sunday, November 30 2014 | 10 am – 5 pm

Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall 

777 Ward Ave

Honolulu HI 96814 US

Contact 768-5252

Moanalua High School Winter Concert

Thursday, December 4, 2014 | 6 pm

Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall 

777 Ward Ave

Honolulu HI 96814 US

Contact 768-5252

Pearl City Christmas Parade – Santa Arrives!

December 2, 2014 | 4 – 8 pm

Starts at Momilani Elementary School and ends at Pearl City Shopping Center

The annual Pearl City Christmas Parade starts at 4 pm at Momilani Elementary School and ends at Pearl City Shopping Center. Come to the parade and see the Pearl City High School band, 2014 Miss Hawaii USA, 2014 Miss Hawaii Teen USA, Girl Scouts, costumed characters, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, local car clubs, merchants, and more! PLUS, after the parade watch the awards ceremony for best Marching Group and Best Float trophy to be given by Santa Claus in front of Bank of Hawaii.

Plus, there is a giveaway to win a Sonny D Ukulele at Cruz Night held right after the parade fronting Longs Drugs from 5 – 8 pm. A youth ukulele and an adult ukulele will be given away. Drawing is at 8 pm and must be present to win. For more information see www.mypearlcity.com

Contact Rolf Advertising at 593-1533 or email gcochard@rolfadvertising.com

68th Annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade 

Thursday, December 4, 2014 | 6 – 8 pm

The Kaimuki Business & Professional Association presents the annual Kaimuki Christmas parade along Waialae Avenue from Saint Louis School/Chaminade University to Koko Head Avenue. This is the 68th year the parade has been held. We anticipate over 40 groups will be marching the 1.1 mile length of the parade, including Santa, beauty queens, local area schools and bands. The event will also mark the official lighting of the Kaimuki Christmas tree on top Pu'u O Kaimuki (also known as Menehune Hill.) Each year, KBPA provides the lights and decorations for the Christmas Tree and Kaimuki Community Park. The Kaimuki Community Park organizes volunteers from the Hawaiian Electric Company to string the lights.

Contact kbp@kaimukihawaii.com

Photo courtesy of Ryan Tishken and KaimukiHawaii.com.

Wahiawa Santa Parade

December 5, 2014 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm

This event is sponsored by the Wahiawa Community & Business Association. Starting at 6:30 pm, on California Avenue from Ka`ala Elementary School to Cane Street. Come out to greet Santa and stay to visit with him after the parade at the Wahiawa Shopping Center.

Contact tsumile@hotmail.com

Kaneohe Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 9 – 11 am

Sponsored by the Kaneohe Christmas Parade Committee, the Kaneohe Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in all of Oahu. Marchers and participants from all over the island – and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands - gather together in the spirit of the holiday season, for what is a truly wondrous sight. The events starts at Windward Mall at Haiku Road and ends at Castle High School. Windward Mall’s own Cubby Caboose Mini Express is expected to take part in the annual parade this year, which is something your little ones will surely enjoy seeing.

Contact  kuuleir@aol.com

Festive Xeric Holiday Wreath Workshop 

Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 10:30 am – 9 pm 

Halawa Xeriscape Garden

99-1268 Iwaena Street - Halawa Industrial Area

Aiea Hawaii

With the festive holiday season rounding the corner, the Board of Water Supply and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) will offer a can’t-miss xeric holiday wreath-making class.  Participants will learn how less-thirsty, xeriscape plants can be used to create colorful and festive holiday decorations.

COST:  Free for members of the FOHXG, $5 for non-members.

All participants should bring the following items: one round wreath form (straw-type, not foam, and no larger than 12-inch diameter), 50-80 floral “U” pins, clippers, containers to hold wreath materials (i.e. soda box), and any kind of ribbons or holiday embellishments you would like to decorate your wreath.

REGISTER:   Registration opens on Wednesday, November 12, and closes at 2 pm on the Friday prior to the workshop or when all spaces are filled.

Contact 748-5363 or email workshops@hbws.org to register.  

Annual Mililani Christmas Parade and The North Pole in Mililani 

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Christmas Parade | 9– 10:30 am

Come to Mililani Shopping Center to get a front-row seat on Kipapa Drive for the start of the Annual Mililani Christmas Parade! Over 1,000 marchers, including the Mililani High School Band, antique cars, local businesses, school and community groups and of course Santa Claus as they make their way through Mililani ending at Town Center of Mililani. Contact crystal@tlcpr.com

North Pole Event | 9:30 am– 12:30 pm

• Snow Play Zone - 8 Tons of Real Snow! 
• Visit with Santa and receive a FREE Treat!
• Hope Chapel Mililani Keiki Games 
• Games
• Make-and-Take Crafts
• And More!

Mililani Craft and Gift Fair

Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 4 – 9 pm

Rec Center 5, 95-1101 Ainamakua Drive, Mililani, 96789 

Handmade Crafts, Local Artist, Yummy Baked Goods, Ceramics, Jewelry, Gift Baskets, Cosmetics, T-Shirts, Toys, Stocking Stuffers, Fashion Apparel, Baby Items, Succulents, Holiday Decorations, Giveaways, Gift Wrap Station, Food Vendors and MORE!

Honolulu City Lights Opening Night

Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 5 pm – 10 pm 

Honolulu City Lights opens on the first Saturday of December with the lighting of Honolulu’s 50-foot tree. The opening night celebration at Honolulu Hale kicks off a month-long holiday display of trees, wreaths, oversize sculptures including the famous Shaka Santa lounging with Tutu Mele at City Hall’s fountain.

In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, the evening is highlighted with the Public Workers Electric Light Parade and a star-studded holiday concert on the grounds of the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center grounds. The family-friendly event includes food booths and a visit with Santa Claus.

Opening Night Schedule

• 4 pm - Food, t-shirt and souvenir vendors open for business.
• 6 pm - Tree lighting ceremony at Honolulu Hale. Public Workers Electric Light Parade begins.
• 6:30 pm - The 50-foot City tree, trees, and buildings are lit. Tree and wreath display opens.
• 7:45 pm - Holiday concert at the Sky Gate Stage begins. Electric Light Parade vehicles parked on King Street.

Honolulu City Lights displays - December 6 - 31

During the month, historic Honolulu Hale, the City tree, and civic center grounds are ablaze with colored lights and decorations for the holidays. New sculptural pieces and tree decorations are featured each year. The tree is lighted nightly at approximately 6 pm and lights remain on until dawn. The exhibits at Honolulu are open from 7:45 am to 11 pm in December.

Public Workers Electric Light Parade

The parade steps off at 6 pm from River Street, proceeds down King Street and the first unit arrives at Honolulu Hale at 6:30 pm.The parade ends when the Santa Claus float goes past Honolulu Hale at approximately 7:45 pm.

Street Bikers United: Toys-For-Tots Caravan 

Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 11 am – 12:30 pm

The Street Bikers United – Toys for Tots Caravan starts at 11 am and features approximately 4,000 bikes in a merry procession that ends at about 12:30 pm. This Caravan is one of the most fun Things to do in Honolulu if you ride, but even if you don’t you’re encouraged to come watch and join the celebration. This Caravan is one of the top Honolulu Events held throughout the year to benefit children and it’s a lot of fun! If you want to ride in the Caravan, just find yourself a bike and you’re welcome to join the procession. If you’d rather watch, The Street Bikers United – Toys for Tots Caravan helps the Toys for Tots Hawaii collection effort, so consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the Event to donate and be wrapped by volunteers.

Haleiwa Town Christmas Parade

Friday, December 12, 2013 from 5 – 8 pm

This event is sponsored by the North Shore Community Chamber of Commerce. The annual parade includes Santa Claus, about 500 marchers, 45 vehicles, floats and bands. The event starts at Weed Circle then proceeds through downtown Haleiwa and ends at Haleiwa Beach Park. 

Contact 637-4558 

Gentry Waipio Community Association Christmas Parade

Celebrate the Holidays at Waipio Shopping Center

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Parade begins | 10 am

Celebrate the Holidays at Waipio Shopping Center | 11:30 am – 1 pm

This event is sponsored by the Gentry Waipio Community Association and they expect to have 800 marchers and 15 vehicles. The parade starts at Gentry Waipio Shopping Center on Ukee St, near the Outback Steakhouse and ends at Gentry Waipio Shopping Center.

After the parade, stay for Christmas performances by Na Maka O Puuwai Aloha, featuring hula, Polynesian, hip-hop, voice ukulele, choir, guitar and jazz performances.

Kapolei City Lights

West Oahu Electric Light Parade

Saturday, December 13, 2014 | 5 pm – 10 pm 

Kapolei Hale 

1000 Uluohia Street

Kapolei Hawaii 96707

The Annual Kapolei City Lights celebration on December 13, features the West Oahu Electric Light Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The festivities start at 5 pm, with food booths and entertainment at Kapolei Hale.  The parade begins at 6 pm, and the annual tree lighting ceremony will begin at 7:45 pm. West Oahu Electric Light Parade features decorated vehicles, floats, and school bands. Route starts on Kapolei Parkway fronting Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and travels Waianae bound on Kapolei Parkway. Parade ends at the intersection of Kama’aha Avenue and Kapolei Parkway. Kapolei Hale will be decorated with trees and wreaths.  The tree lighting ceremony will feature food and entertainment. Event admission and street parking are free of charge.  Parking is also available at the state building on Kamokila Boulevard. Kapolei City Lights is presented by the City and County of Honolulu, the Friends of Kapolei Hale, and its sponsors.

Contact Friends of Kapolei Hale (808) 383-7336

Aiea Community Association Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 13, 2014 | 8:30 am – noon

This event is sponsored by the Aiea Community Association and they expect to have 200 marchers, 10 vehicles and two bands. Note that the route has changed from last year: It will start at the ‘Aiea Sugar Mill site on Halewiliko Street, continue along ‘Aiea Heights Drive and Ulune Street, then left onto Kaamilo Street, right onto Moanalua Road, left onto Pali Momi Street, ending at the Sears parking lot at Pearlridge (where the Pearlridge Farmer’s Market is held).

Contact Karen Higa, aieaparade@yahoo.com or Claire Tamamoto, clairet@hawaii.rr.com

Waianae Coast Community Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 13, 2014 | 10 am

Sponsored by the Waianae Coast Rotary Club and The Waianae Mall, the parade follows Waianae Boat Harbor to Farrington Highway and ends at Waianae Mall. The theme for this year's parade is "Light Up Your Dreams". Waianae Mall will be sponsoring a Ho'olaule'a immediately following the Christmas Parade at the Waianae Mall.

Contact Contact@waianaecoastrotary.org or regoa@hawaii.rr.com

Manoa Community Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 13, 2014 | 5 – 7 pm

This event is sponsored by the East Manoa Lions Club and they expect to have 800 marchers, 15 vehicles, two floats and four bands. The event starts at Noelani School and ends at Manoa Park.

Waipahu Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 14, 2013 | 2 – 4 pm

This event is sponsored by the Leeward Oahu Lions Club. The event starts at Waipahu District Park at Paiwa Street and ends at Leolua St. behind Waipahu Town Center. 

Contact Virginia Padayhag 621-7216, Email vpadayhag@pixi.com

Olomana Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 21, 2014 | 2:30 – 3:30 PM

This event is sponsored by the Olomana Community Association and they expect to have 30+ marchers, 10 vehicles and seven floats. The event starts at Maunawili Elementary School and ends at Maunawili Elem School. 

Contact Leslie Kobayashi  541-1331, Email leslie_kobayashi@hid.uscourts.gov